Butterfield council discusses possible utility rate changes

Thursday, May 22, 2008By Lindsay Reed

The Butterfield City Council discussed utility rate changes at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 21.

The aldermen considered decreasing the minimum water rate by $3 and increasing the sewer rate $3 for the first 1,000 gallons of water used. The ordinance also included a sewer usage rate change that would increase the usage rate from 25 cents to 35 cents per 100 gallons of water used.

The council also considered increasing trash rates by $1 each month to pay for administrative costs.

The council voted to decrease the water rate and increase the sewer rates, but decided not to increase the trash rate at this time. The approved rate changes were scheduled to take effect on May 1.

In new business, Alderman Carrol Hayes stated that the council needs to approve building codes for the City of Butterfield, which currently operates under planning and zoning regulations.

After discussing the issue, the council directed City Clerk Georgia Wenell to draft an ordinance to accept the International Codes, formerly known as the BOCA codes. The ordinance will be considered at the May council meeting.

Wenell said that she would also gather information on costs associated with purchasing a copy of the codes and hiring an inspector to enforce the codes.

In old business, the aldermen discussed the Butterfield Community Building improvement project.

At the request of Jim Taylor, community building board member, Kevin Stewart submitted a verbal bid for the improvement project. According to the bid, Stewart will replace the building's roof and offer a 30-year warranty on the new roof for $7,800. The bid could increase if any of the building's wood structure needs to be replaced.

The bid also included an estimate on painting the metal and replacing the screws on the building. This portion of the project would cost $2,500.

In addition to Stewart's bid, the aldermen received a written bid from Conklin Roofing Systems.

Conklin's bid included plans to acid-etch the roof with rust and oxide film remover. The roof will also be pressure washed, all fasteners will be tightened, replaced or caulked and a basecoat will be applied to all side and end lap seams.

Conklin Roofing Systems will apply topcoat at the rate of two gallons per 100-square-feet on the entire roof. Conklin offers a 12-year warranty on all materials and labor, which will cost $6,950.

The council asked Stewart several questions regarding his bid on the improvement project and his qualifications. During discussion, Stewart stated that he is not bonded or insured. The aldermen decided to table the issue in order to consult with the city's attorney and insurance provider.

The improvement project also includes plans to paint the building and replace the bathrooms with handicap accessible restrooms.

In other business, the Butterfield City Council:

* Discussed vacating a portion of Front Street south of Fifth Street.

* Heard an update on pending state legislation that would eliminate owner responsibility for tenant utility bills.

* Heard that engineering plans have been completed for the city's water extension project.

* Approved the 2008 budget.

* Approved a contract with Allgeier, Martin and Associates, of Joplin, for a Rural Development project.